Monday, April 16, 2018

Governor Colyer Signs Anti-Swatting Bill and Serveral Others into Law

Press Release


TOPEKA –  Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D. signed in to law on Friday, HB2581 that increases penalties for “swatting” or other false alarms if a third party is injured as a result of the hoax. Swatting is the action of making a prank call to emergency services in an attempt to bring about an armed police response to a particular address. This harassment tactic resulted in the loss of the life of Andrew Finch of Wichita in December 2017 after police were called to his home following a prank call allegedly placed by an individual in California.     “We need to send a clear message that this behavior is unacceptable in our society,” said Governor Jeff Colyer, “It isn’t a prank, it isn’t a joke, it is a deadly serious crime and this law makes it clear that we will treat it as such.  What happened to Mr. Finch was unspeakably tragic, and we hope that this law will prevent any other innocent people from losing their lives as a result of this horrific behavior.”     
“I am very pleased to think this legislation could possibly save lives,”
said Lisa Finch, mother of Andrew.

 Other bills Governor Colyer signed into law on Friday included the following:
 
  • Senate Bill 185: Expedites redevelopment projects by revising the powers of Johnson and Labette Counties in regard to certain redevelopment districts and authorities. (Signed 04/11/18)
  • Senate Bill 324: Amends the vehicle dealers and manufacturers licensing act to prohibit certain actions by manufacturers which place unnecessary costs and burdens on vehicle dealers.
  • Senate Bill 410: Updates insurance statutes to allow certain captive insurance companies in the State of Kansas.
  • Substitute for House Bill 2147: Refunds improperly collected income taxes to certain Native American veterans.  
  • Senate Substitute for House Bill 2184: Amends workers compensation death benefits.
  • House Bill 2580: Prevents consumer reporting agencies from charging certain fees relating to consumer report security freezes.
  • House Bill 2581: Increases penalties for “swatting” and other false alarms if a third party is injured or killed as a result of the hoax. (Announced in the previous release)
  • House Bill 2639: Allows KDHE to collect a fee for fingerprinting individuals maintaining, residing, working, or volunteering at a child care facility. 
 
The Governor has now signed 50 bills into law this session. By law, the Kansas governor has 10 calendar days to sign bills into law, veto bills or allow bills to become law without his signature.

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